Job Title:
Sustainability Graduate
Location:
Rittal-CSM Ltd, Plymouth, Devon
Salary:
£31,547.00
Contract Type:
Fixed Term, Full-time
Working Monday–Friday, 39 hours per week.
Are you ready to take your career to the next level?
At Rittal-CSM, we believe in driving innovation and excellence. Our clients include some of the world’s leading technology companies major players in software, hardware, and cloud computing.
About Us
We specialise in enclosures, climate control systems, power distribution, and IT infrastructure for industrial and IT applications. Our success is built on a diverse and talented workforce.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Sustainability Graduate to work alongside the Sustainability Manager. The role focuses on supporting client sustainability requirements while driving continuous improvement in Rittal’s environmental and social performance. The duration of the role is 12 months and to start at first opportunity.
This role is suitable for students who have recently concluded a degree in Sustainability, Environmental Studies or Geography, as well as recent graduates seeking to gain hands-on experience in Sustainability Management within a thriving, high-pace manufacturing environment.
What you’ll be doing
- Work alongside the Sustainability Manager to help Rittal meet the sustainability expectations of clients - including responding to short-term requests for information and supporting delivery of longer-term client sustainability objectives.
- Support the Sustainability Manager in improving awareness, behaviours, and cultural engagement relating to sustainability across the business.
- Work with colleagues in the Environment Team to maintain and continually improve the Environmental Management System (EMS), ensuring readiness for ISO 14001 audits and contributing to wider Friedhelm Loh Group EMS initiatives, particularly in areas relating to climate change and greenhouse gas reporting.
- Assist in preparing and enhancing Rittal CSM’s annual sustainability reports, including greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, EcoVadis submissions, and other client‑specific disclosures.
- Collect, analyse and process ESG and sustainability related data, developing robust and auditable processes where applicable using Excel, Power BI and other data analysis tools.
- Support the preparation of clear performance and progress reports, briefings and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Conduct research into evolving best practice plus new and emerging regulations that affect Rittal CSM
- Supporting compliance and continuous improvement with regulations, certifications and schemes including: EU Deforestation Regulation, FSC Chain of Custody certification and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme
- Developing opportunities to meet client sustainability expectations through measures such as incorporating low embodied carbon “green steel” into products
- Leading on and contributing to a range of sustainability related projects connected to Rittal’s strategic objectives. These will involve collaboration with a wide range of internal teams or external stakeholders such as suppliers and logistics partners. Example project areas include exploring circular economy initiatives, optimising logistics to reduce environmental impact, and developing initiatives to improve on-site energy efficiency or expand renewable energy generation.
Essential Skills & Attributes
- Confident research and information‑gathering capabilities.
- Strong independent thinking and proactive problem‑solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong IT literacy - including proficiency in the core MS Office programmes: Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
- Confidence working with large datasets and extracting meaningful insights to support decision-making
- Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.
- Adaptable, organised, and able to manage multiple tasks.
- A solutions‑focused, constructive attitude with a willingness to take initiative.
- A keen commitment and hunger for continued learning in sustainability.
- Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Experience & Background
Essential:
- Concluding or recently concluded a relevant sustainability or environmental management related degree (e.g., Sustainability Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Geography, etc.).
- Strong understanding of core sustainability concepts such as Net Zero, GHG reporting, circular economy and ESG principles.
- Awareness of key environmental legislation, sustainability reporting frameworks and emerging regulatory requirements that affect Rittal CSM.
- Experience gained through relevant university projects, practical fieldwork or equivalent.
Desirable:
- Previous work experience in a sustainability-related role.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools (Excel, PowerBI, SQL) and ability to manage large datasets.
- Working knowledge of Sustainability reporting standards (e.g. CDP, EcoVadis, GHG Protocol).
Values & Personal Qualities
- Has a clear hunger for learning and professional development
- Professionalism, integrity, and a positive approach to working with others
- Eagerness to build competency and industry experience in the realm of sustainability Management.
- Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
What You Will Gain
- Hands-on experience delivering sustainability initiatives within a leading manufacturing organisation
- Development of key competencies and experience in sustainability reporting, project management, research, and regulatory compliance.
- Practical involvement in maintaining an ISO14001-certified Environmental Management System.
- Opportunities to lead and deliver sustainability initiatives and projects with real business impact.
- Mentoring from experienced colleagues, plus access to training courses, seminars, and industry events aligned with your development goals.
- Experience that supports future professional accreditation (e.g. through ISEP/similar).
What We Value
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively across diverse teams.
- Training: Commitment to continuous learning and development.
- Communication: Clear and confident communication at all levels.
- Recognition: Respect for diverse perspectives and contributions.
What’s in it for you?
- Opportunity to make a real impact
- Room for innovation and creativity
- Career growth and development
- Collaborative, supportive environment
- Recognition and rewards
Rewards Package
- A companywide bonus based on attendance, productivity and quality
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus holiday purchasing scheme
- Life insurance 3 x your salary
- Pension contributions matched to 5%
- Access to our Westfield Health provision
- Access to our Smart Spending platform
Closing Date: Friday 21st August 2026
We will review applications and conduct interviews on an ongoing basis. As a result, the vacancy may close at any time once a suitable candidate is found.
Rittal-CSM is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Please Note: As part of our commitment to safeguarding and ensuring the safety of our employees, all prospective employees will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a sanction list check. These checks are essential to ensure that all candidates meet our stringent safety and compliance standards.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK
Pay: £31,547.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
